The Future Built by Women E-Book

Brooke Markevicius

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 315

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Overcome the obstacles in the way of women entrepreneurs and founders

In The Future Built by Women, Startup Product Leader of Riveter and veteran keynote speaker, Brooke Markevicius, delivers a compelling guide to entrepreneurship for women. With a particular focus on the technology sector, the author shares her fascinating and relevant experiences as a company founder. She explains the four main factors that contribute to success: grit, education, mindset, and support.

In the book, you'll explore strategies for conquering the challenges you encounter in the tech industry and in entrepreneurship. You'll also find:

• Learn practical ways to take your startup from concept to reality, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.
• Find out how to become "dangerously skilled" in technology, even if you're not a tech expert. Master the art of leveraging technology for the forces of good as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur.
• Discover the keys to defining and refining your unique entrepreneurial equation. Unearth your passion, purpose, and the roadmap to your vision.

An inspiring and exciting vision of women at the forefront of technological, social, and business change, The Future Built by Women is the engaging resource that managers, executives, founders, entrepreneurs, directors, and other business leaders have been waiting for.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword

Introduction: A Vision for the Future Built by Women

PART I: The GEMS Framework

1 Tech for Good

Where Are All the Women: The Stark Reality of Women in Technology

A Modern Addition

2 LEGO and GEMS

The Power of a Framework: Unlocking Your Potential

3 The Power of Grit

My First Experience with True Grit

Finding My Calling

The Ultimate Concern

The Dark Side of Grit

Gritty Women

Code Review: Debugging Your Grit

4 Education

A New Path Emerges: My Transition into the World of Tech

Shaping the Career Transition Blueprint: Coding a New Path

From Blueprint to Reality: The Final Compilation

Code Review: Education and Transition

5 Mindset

Banish “I Can't” from Your Vocabulary

The Runner's Mindset

From Hiking to Running

Running to Inspire

Imposter Syndrome, Yep That Again

Embrace Your Inner Blowfish

Embody the Confidence of a Stanford Grad

Embrace the Process: You've Earned Your Place

Coding Your Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Developer's Guide to Success

Code Review: Debugging Your Mindset

6 Support

What I Told Duke MBA Students

Running into Support

Female Founder Support

Partner Support: Get Yourself an Edgar

The Power of Support, an Interview with Hitha Palepu

Building and Nurturing Your Support Network: A Path to Success

Building Your Network: Writing Your Support Code

Code Review—Debugging Your Support Network

PART II: How to Build the Future

7 The Entrepreneurial Equation

Tech and Passion, and How They Interact

Technology and Passion Drive Innovation and Foster Positive Societal Impact

The Synergy of Tech and Passion: My Entrepreneurial Equation

Building Together: The Inspiring Partnership of Sara Mauskopf and Anne Halsall

Embracing Values: The Final Piece of the Entrepreneurial Equation

8 She Innovates

Where It Starts: The Idea

The MVP: The First Step in Building Your Idea

Code Review: Enhancing Your Idea Generation and MVP Development

9 Just Dangerous Enough

Let's Start with a Road Map

Idea Validation: Bringing Your Vision to Life

Defining Your Vision: The Blueprint for Success

Launch and Beyond: Your Product's Journey Begins

How to Think Like a Coder

Coding Concepts

The Power of Automation

Making Your Start-Up Appear Larger with Automation

My Favorite Automation Tool: The Magic of Zapier

The Power of Artificial Intelligence

Code Review: Crafting Your Tech Founder Toolbox

PART III: Building Together

10 The GAPS

The Gender Data Gap

The Care Gap

The Funding Gap

Code Review: Evaluating Your Fundraising Strategy

11 Women Building

At a Glance: The Numbers

Overcoming Roadblocks

Women Building

Learning from Others

Code Review: Women Building

12 Building the Future Together

Build Together: The New Era of Building

How Do We Build Together? Seven Strategies

Code Review: Building Together for a Brighter Future

13 Testing the Vision

The Final Push

Ensuring a Smooth Launch

Manifesto

Building Tomorrow Together: The Future Built by Women

A Thank-You

The Built x Women Resource Guide

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Index

End User License Agreement

Guide

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword

Introduction: A Vision for the Future Built by Women

Table of Contents

Begin Reading

The Built x Women Resource Guide

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Index

End User License Agreement

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THE FUTURE BUILT BY WOMEN

CREATING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW THROUGH TECH AND INNOVATION

BROOKE MARKEVICIUS

Copyright © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Markevicius, Brooke, author.

Title: The future built by women / Brooke Markevicius.

Description: Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley, [2024] | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2023053434 (print) | LCCN 2023053435 (ebook) | ISBN 9781394218554 (cloth) | ISBN 9781394218578 (adobe pdf) | ISBN 9781394218561 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: Businesswomen. | Women in technology.

Classification: LCC HD6053 .M344 2024 (print) | LCC HD6053 (ebook) | DDC 658.1/1082—dc23/eng/20231221

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023053434

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2023053435

Cover Design: WileyCover Image: © youarehere/Adobe Stock Photos

To the matriarch of our family, my dear Nanee Dickens. You showed me what it meant to work hard for your dreams. You were the ultimate energizer bunny and built a future for you and your family. You were a lover of books and writing and even though you did not get a book published, I got us one. Thanks for visiting me often as a beautiful red cardinal outside my window as I wrote the pages in this book.

To my daughter, the future will be brighter because you will be one of the women building it. You are so strong and smart. Your creativity and curiosity will get you far. Your writing inspires me, and I know one day you will be publishing a book, too.

Foreword

AS I REFLECT on my journey through the tech world—from the early days at Facebook to my ventures in investing and exploring the realms of web3—I am continuously inspired by the unyielding pursuit of innovation and the essential role of uplifting women in this sector. It's this very spirit that makes The Future Built by Women, authored by the extraordinary Brooke Markevicius, so resonant with me.

Brooke and I share more than just a passion for pioneering in technology; we are kindred spirits in balancing the demands of motherhood with the relentless drive of building companies and shaping careers. This shared bond, along with our love for running, a discipline that has sharpened our resilience and grit, are threads that Brooke masterfully intertwines throughout her book.

My experiences at Facebook, witnessing the whirlwind of innovation, coupled with my ongoing involvement in web3, have deepened my belief in the crucial role of women in tech. Brooke's insights in The Future Built by Women powerfully mirror this conviction, offering a narrative that is both personal and universal.

This book stands as a pragmatic compass for women charting their course in tech entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of resilience, education, mindset, and strong support systems essential for navigating not just the industry's challenges but also the diverse personal commitments and aspirations that each woman brings to her unique journey.

Running the New York City Marathon this year was a reaffirmation of the parallels between the endurance required in long-distance running and the tenacity needed in tech and business—a sentiment echoed in Brooke's authentic and compelling narrative.

The Future Built by Women is more than a manual; it is an inspiration for women harboring grand ambitions in technology and in making a positive impact on the world. Brooke's journey of becoming “dangerously skilled” in tech and her blueprint for entrepreneurial success deeply resonate with my own path, from the early days at Facebook to my current endeavors in tech investments and the exploration of web3.

This book is not just a compilation of advice; it heralds a future where women are the creators and trailblazers of technological and societal progress. Prepare to be inspired, educated, and empowered to be part of shaping this new era.

Consider The Future Built by Women as your marathon—a testament to the remarkable achievement's women can attain when they harness their passion, purpose, and vision in the world of tech and entrepreneurship.

Randi Zuckerberg

Introduction: A Vision for the Future Built by Women

IMAGINE A WORLD where technology and innovation are guided by diverse perspectives, where creativity and ingenuity are not hindered by gender boundaries, and women play an instrumental role in shaping the future. This is a future focused not on building for the sake of technology but for the sake of humanity, where real issues are met with innovative solutions. As a woman and a mother, I see how far we have yet to go to realize this vision, yet I fervently believe we must articulate, champion, and work collectively toward this future; otherwise, it will remain a mere aspiration.

When I began building my company, Allobee, I spoke about it ceaselessly. I shared its mission and vision with anyone willing to listen. The power in this lay in the resonance it evoked in others. Whether they joined as followers, clients, freelancers, team members, or investors, they wanted to be part of a mission addressing a critical issue: the future of work for women. With 43% of women leaving the workforce before the pandemic and an additional two million during, it was evident that the conventional model of work was failing women. I knew that unless women participated in designing the future of work, we would continue to be left out.

My journey showed me that I was not alone. Women were at the forefront, building companies to tackle major societal issues, from childcare to infertility, work-life balance to bias in AI, and unpaid labor. These women, many of them mothers, were motivated by the belief that solving these problems would create a better future for their children. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted that 78% of Americans lack confidence that their children's generation will have a better life than their own (https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-americans-doubt-their-children-will-be-better-off-wsj-norc-poll-finds-35500ba8). Such a reality may seem bleak, but instead of wallowing in it, I choose to make a difference. I choose to build, each day, contributing in small but significant ways toward creating better and more impactful solutions. I am convinced that our empathy as women; our intrinsic drive to solve problems that affect us, our families, and our communities; make us potent builders.

Given the right tools, such as coding or cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, I believe we women can revolutionize the world. We can build a world that instills confidence in the future for our children.

However, my path to this understanding was not linear. I wasn't exposed to the world of technology or building until after a career in nonprofit. I am a firm believer that everyone has the potential to build if they tap into what I call the GEMS framework. In the pages to come, I will share how I transitioned into the world of technology. So, if you're questioning whether you're on the right career path to shape the future, I encourage you to keep reading.

PART IThe GEMS Framework

1Tech for Good

I RECALL THE moment that sparked my interest in technology with vivid clarity. My eyes were glued to the screen as I watched a team set up technology centers in developing countries, teaching women to code and offering them a newfound sense of freedom. This was not a documentary or an inspirational feature; it was a video my husband was showing me about the new initiatives at his company, Microsoft. For the first time, I was confronted with the idea that technology could be used as a force for good, and it radically changed my perspective.

Growing up as the daughter of a preacher and a teacher, my career path had always seemed clear. I was raised to value service and servant leadership, so I naturally gravitated toward roles in teaching or nonprofit work. After graduating college, I served as a missionary for the United Methodist Church's US-2 Missionary program, later transitioning into nonprofit management.

Until the moment I saw that video, I had believed that service-focused professions were the only avenues to bring about positive change in the world. However, that video challenged my preconceptions. I saw a tech company using technology not merely for its own advancement, but to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

At that time, I was feeling rather burnt out from nonprofit work and was seeking a new direction. Ironically, I was in grad school pursuing a master's in social work, but I was frustrated by the requirement of unpaid internships and the demanding work hours. Deep down, I craved something new.

I considered what I already knew about technology: I was the go-to tech helper at every nonprofit I had worked for, I had built simple websites for side hustles and other nonprofits, and my husband, a computer science major working at Microsoft, could guide me. Weighing the pros and cons of a career pivot, the advantages quickly tipped the scales.

Within a week, I applied for a master's program in computer information systems at Boston University, leaving my MSW program behind. It was time to venture into the world of tech, and I was determined to use it for the greater good.

Embracing a new career path might have been daunting, but I've always had a penchant for change. Whether it's my ADHD compelling me to seek variety or my childhood experiences of frequently moving and adapting, I've never shied away from transformation. However, when I truly believe in something, I go all in, which is exactly what happened when I dove headfirst into my new career in tech. I reveled in the novelty, invigorated by this awakening to an entirely new world.

Recalling a story my father frequently shared in his sermons, I thought of my sister's wide-eyed wonder at seeing Niagara Falls for the first time. The adult visitors walked by, but as a child, she paused, awestruck by the frozen mist and water. That sense of wonder fuels curiosity, and curiosity drives innovation. Being introduced to the world of technology was my moment of wide-eyed wonder as an adult.

My newfound tech skills offered an expansive vista of possibilities. Having worked directly with children with severe emotional issues, homeless women and children, and women fleeing domestic violence, I brought a unique lens to technology. I had seen firsthand that donations and scant nonprofit funding alone were not sufficient to solve societal issues; innovative approaches were required.

Although I was unsure of exactly what I wanted to build at that time, the image of the video remained etched in my mind. The idea of using technology to help those in dire need of economic support was deeply appealing to me. It was a cause I was ready to commit to, and this marked the beginning of my journey into the world of technology.

Where Are All the Women: The Stark Reality of Women in Technology

As I delved into the world of technology, a question kept reverberating in my mind: where were all the women? As I consumed episode after episode of popular business podcast host, Guy Raz's How I Built This, I noticed a significant lack of female voices. This lack was perplexing and disheartening. Were other women, like me, simply unaware of technology's potential to effect positive change?

The statistics on women in technology or women building start-ups made for grim reading. Women constitute half of the US workforce, yet only 27% of them are STEM workers, according to the US Census (https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/01/women-making-gains-in-stem-occupations-but-still-underrepresented.html). In university computer science programs, women comprise merely about 18% of graduates.

One of my employees shared her experience of entering a computer science program years ago in Texas, only to be dissuaded by a professor who told her that it was not a place for women, and she would not succeed. She exited that path, a decision she has always regretted. Today, only 25% of computing roles are held by women, and the numbers plummet even further for women of color (https://builtin.com/women-tech/women-in-tech-workplace-statistics).

In the sphere of entrepreneurship, despite studies demonstrating that companies with diverse leadership yield higher returns, only 2% of venture capital funding goes to female-founded companies (https://techcrunch.com/2023/01/18/women-founded-startups-raised-1–9-of-all-vc-funds-in-2022-a-drop-from-2021/). These systemic barriers stifle women's abilities to scale their businesses and bring innovative solutions to the market.

At present, we're witnessing major advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), making it even more crucial to address the underrepresentation of women in the field. From hackathons to AI-based companies and discussions on AI, women are conspicuously absent.

One critical issue in the realm of AI is the inherent bias in algorithms and data, which can inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce existing inequalities. An example can be seen in ChatGPT's language generation. It often chooses the word empower when prompted to write about The Riveter, a female-focused company, but opts for words like strength and power when prompted to write about a male-focused brand. This stark contrast underscores the importance of diverse voices, including women, in writing code and curating data.

We still have a long way to go, but we must be at the center of this space to build a more equitable future. How do we construct a future when women are absent from decision-making rooms or the literal coding that shapes our world?

As a mother, I've strived to expose my daughter to a world of possibilities. I bought her the Rebel Girls series as soon as it was released and have curated a library of books featuring female innovators, explorers, and scientists. I never want her to question “Where are all the women?” and hope she steps into a computer science class populated by a majority of female students.

Women have been trailblazers in technology, from Ada Lovelace, who wrote the first computer program more than 150 years ago, to Mira Murati, the current CTO of OpenAI. They have made industry-changing advancements, yet many of their stories remain untold or underappreciated.

As a graduate student, I volunteered with The Women in Technology Association in Washington, DC, mentoring high school girls interested in technology. I learned so much from this experience and witnessed the barriers these young girls still faced. Many were not being encouraged or presented with opportunities related to computer science.

Fortunately, organizations such as Girls Who Code, Code.org and Kode with Klossy have emerged to support high school and college girls interested in coding. They have done incredible work, and the statistics reflect this progress: there has been a tenfold growth in female participation in AP Computer Science classes in just six years (https://code.org/about/2019#:~:text=One%20measure%20of%20this%20movement,org's%20work%20alone).

In this book, I will share stories of contemporary women shaping the future of technology, including interviews with founders and women in tech. These women are tirelessly working to construct a brighter future for women in technology, reminding us all that this is a collective effort.

I am excited to introduce you to five extraordinary women who have not only left an indelible mark on the world of technology but also have inspired future generations of female innovators, including myself, which is why I like to call them the fabulous five.

Ada Lovelace: The Queen of Code

When it comes to the world's first computer programmer, it's not a man, but the queen of code, Ada Lovelace. A mathematical prodigy, Lovelace collaborated with Charles Babbage on his revolutionary analytical engine. Her visionary insights into the potential of machines to process more than just numbers laid the groundwork for modern computing. I have a picture of her in my office to remind me that women pioneered coding.

Grace Hopper: The Compiler Queen

Grace Hopper, a United States Navy rear admiral, was no ordinary computer scientist. As one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer, she was a force to be reckoned with. Hopper pioneered the development of COBOL, one of the earliest high-level programming languages, and introduced the concept of machine-independent programming languages, leading to the creation of compilers. COBOL is still around today and, fun fact, my neighbor (a woman!) is one of the only people around who still knows the language.

Hedy Lamarr: The Glamorous Inventor

Hedy Lamarr, a film actress by profession, was also a brilliant inventor with a passion for problem-solving. During World War II, Lamarr codeveloped a frequency-hopping spread spectrum communication system to protect radio-controlled torpedoes from being intercepted. Little did she know that her groundbreaking invention would form the basis of modern Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS technologies. These are technologies that now society uses daily.

Katherine Johnson: The Space Race Virtuoso

As an African American mathematician, Katherine Johnson defied racial and gender barriers at NASA to make history. Her impeccable calculations were critical to the success of the first US-crewed spaceflights, including Alan Shepard's Freedom 7 and John Glenn's Friendship 7 missions. Johnson's remarkable achievements earned her the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Fun fact: my great uncle worked at NASA at the same time Katherine did.

Radia Perlman: The Mother of the Internet

Radia Perlman, a computer scientist and network engineer, played a pivotal role in shaping the internet as we know it today. As the inventor of the spanning tree protocol (STP), Perlman made it possible for Ethernet networks to expand, paving the way for large-scale networks. Her transformative work earned her the well-deserved title of the mother of the internet.

These five extraordinary women serve as a reminder that when it comes to shaping the future, gender is no barrier. To ensure the ongoing success of women in technology, we must invest in the potential of young girls and support their aspirations in STEM fields.

A Modern Addition

Although it's crucial to revere historical figures like the fabulous five for their contributions, it's equally important to acknowledge and find inspiration in the present-day pioneers who are actively shaping our future. A personal experience of mine illustrates this.

When you are a founder trying to navigate the world of building a company at a fast pace, you need tools that enable you to iterate at almost the speed of light. It is also helpful if the tools enable you to do a job you would usually hire for but with the tool can easily yourself. One of these tools that truly has enabled me to iterate fast is Canva. I still remember the thrill of opening Canva for the first time nearly 10 years ago. As I began to explore and play around with its features, I sensed that I was interacting with a game-changing product. What struck me immediately was its accessibility; Canva had a universal appeal that made design accessible to everyone. At its helm was cofounder and CEO, Melanie Perkins. Under her leadership, Canva has continued to democratize design, making it an integral tool for businesses, schools, and individuals across the world.

I have been using it for over 10 years, and it has supported my freelancing, my own branding within business, the ability to get Allobee up and running fast, and keeping a digital presence. I did not need to hire a social media manager or graphic designer for a long time because I had Canva at my fingertips. I know I am not alone in my Canva obsession, and the number of founders it has helped is massive. So the technology that Melanie Perkins built has allowed thousands and thousands of founders to build and innovate, and that is a powerful use of technology for good. I have listened to just about every podcast with Melanie on it and have read a lot about Canva and its inner workings, because when you find a founder that not only builds an amazing product but also builds a successful company and company culture, you look to them for hints to how you can build better.

In my office, a quote hangs prominently behind my desk, acting as a beacon of inspiration and a powerful daily reminder for myself and everyone who joins me on a Zoom call. It's a statement from the inimitable Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.”

This quote, much like my mission, embodies the belief that women must have a seat at the decision-making table. We are not, and should never be, the exception but a vital part of the equation.

My commitment is to ensure that we no longer have to ask “Where are all the women?” because our presence in the rooms where decisions are being made will be obvious and unquestioned. For this vision to become a reality, we must continue to fight for equality and create opportunities that encourage and support women in every sector, particularly technology.

2LEGO and GEMS

AS A PARENT, I adore LEGO kits and curated STEM and craft boxes. Granted, my patience may fray as my kids argue over who gets to place which LEGO brick on top of the other, but ultimately, I revel in the way everything coalesces. The designers of LEGO packages are sheer geniuses—it's astonishing how each piece fits perfectly to create a dinosaur, an airplane, or even a Harry Potter castle. LEGO bricks remind me of another passion of mine—Ruby Gems. Yes, I'm comparing LEGO to a programming language, but as a mother and a programmer, allow me this delightful indulgence.

LEGO's magic resides in how individual bricks work together to conjure up something extraordinary. Alone, they might not appear exceptional, but combined, they manifest an impressive creation. This insight led me to devise my GEMS framework, an acronym for grit, education, mindset, and support. It's been the backbone of my success and the bedrock for this book.

Embarking on my programming journey later in life than most, I knew I needed every available tool at my disposal, and this is where Ruby GEMS came in. Ruby GEMS are akin to prebuilt LEGO parts—they're crafted by someone else, but you can use them to construct your program. They're a godsend for programmers, saving precious time and effort, enabling them to focus on what makes their applications distinctive. Reflecting on my trajectory to selling my company, Allobee, I acknowledge that the GEMS framework was instrumental in my success.

As we venture into the chapters that follow, each focusing on an element of the GEMS framework, you'll find a recurring theme: code. It's no coincidence. Code, a system of instructions for computers, is akin to the GEMS framework: a guideline for our journey to success. Also, code has been the building block to help me build the future. In coding and life, we encounter obstacles or “bugs”—issues such as skill gaps, unproductive habits, or unclear goals.

Much like a programmer iterates their code, the process of working through these bugs involves self-reflection, determination, and continuous improvement. Each solved issue leads to greater understanding and enhanced performance.

As you progress through this book, let the insights and shared stories catalyze your own process of debugging and refining. Remember, it's not just about fixing what's wrong but about continuously striving for better. That's how we evolve and grow.

In each chapter, you'll find a segment I've called “Code Review.” This is your chance to pause, reflect, and identify any bugs in your own journey. It encourages you to be your own debugger, assessing and adapting your strategies as you build your future.

This practice of self-awareness has been indispensable in my journey as an entrepreneur and programmer, and I'm confident it can be equally beneficial for you. By iterating and improving your life and career strategies through these code reviews, you can become the master builder of your future.

The Power of a Framework: Unlocking Your Potential

Why adopt a framework? Many discussions on grit, particularly in the context of entrepreneurship, emphasize that life is a marathon, not a sprint. I never considered myself a runner until a good friend encouraged me to give it a try. I always believed I was bad at running, which led me to avoid it altogether. As a child, the idea of running a mile for the Presidential Fitness Challenge seemed dreadful, and I clung to various excuses: asthma, my family's lack of running enthusiasm, or my weight. The truth was, I never put in the effort to learn, practice, or seek the support needed to excel at running. However, I was a great tennis player because I invested time and energy into learning, practicing, and receiving support from my team and coach.

As I began running, I realized that if I had implemented a framework like GEMS earlier in my life, I could have overcome my self-doubt and excuses much sooner. My hope is that the GEMS framework offers a straightforward way for you to reflect on your life and career, regardless of where you are on your journey.

By practicing self-awareness and reflection, you can open yourself up to building the life and career you desire. Regularly reflecting on your experiences enables you to identify the “errors in the code” and understand why things may be failing. Sometimes, all you need is one small tweak to your “code” for your life or career to take off in the direction you want. The GEMS framework has not only helped me make those adjustments but also provided a strong foundation to ensure I never feel like I'm starting from scratch when life throws curveballs.

How to Use This Framework in Your Life

I have always enjoyed the wellness wheel, which is a tool for self-exploration that I was first exposed to in therapy years ago. It promotes the concept that balance is the key to well-being. The wellness wheel has seven dimensions, which include, physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, social, and occupational wellness. The theory is that these are all separate yet interconnected categories that contribute to reaching a balanced life. The wellness wheel offers you the ability to pause and reflect on the areas of your life and gut check where you are at a given time. Data and intuition drive my decision-making so I wanted to provide you with the opportunity to gather some data about where you are before you dive further into the GEMS framework and this book. The following assessment will enable you to get some base data. We will circle back to this at the end of the book and reflect on how you can further implement the GEMS framework to help you build the future.

Grit: On a scale of 1–10, rate your current level of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Consider how often you push through challenges and maintain your focus despite setbacks.

1: I often give up when faced with challenges.

5: I sometimes push through challenges, but other times I give up.

10: I constantly push through challenges and maintain focus on my long-term goals.

Education: On a scale of 1–10, rate your commitment to learning and personal growth. Consider your pursuit of knowledge, formally (e.g., school, courses) and informally (e.g., reading, self-study).

1: I rarely seek out opportunities to learn new things.

5: I sometimes seek out learning opportunities, but not consistently.

10: I consistently seek out opportunities to learn and grow.

Mindset: On a scale of 1–10, rate your overall mindset. Consider your attitude toward life, your ability to maintain a positive outlook, and your belief in your ability to succeed.

1: I often have a negative outlook and struggle to believe in my ability to succeed.

5: My outlook varies: sometimes I'm positive, sometimes I'm negative.

10: I consistently maintain a positive outlook and believe in my ability to succeed.

Support: On a scale of 1–10, rate the level of support you have in your life. Consider the support you receive (e.g., from friends, family, mentors) and the support you give to others.

1: I feel I have little support in my life, and I rarely provide support to others.

5: I have some support in my life, and I sometimes provide support to others.

10: I have a strong support network, and I consistently provide support to others.

For each component, you can write down your current score in the middle of the gems in the next figure or you can use our worksheets from the website. I encourage you to color or fill in the outside blocks of the gems based on your score for each facet of the GEMS framework. There are eight sections around the outside that you can color in based on whether you answered a 1, 5, or 10, and this will give you a visual representation of how you